8 Healthy Trader Joe’s Products That’ll Change Your Life

Okay, “change your life” might be a little extreme, but eating healthy is about the little choices we make that contribute to our overall wellness. Being healthy can sometimes be costly and time consuming, especially on a Millennial’s budget and schedule. Trader Joe’s, thankfully, has some of the best prices, beating out Whole Foods in sales largely because of the price differences. There’s a few products that I buy on every trip to TJ’s because they are the saving grace I have in a work week that is sometimes piled with fast food trips and binging on Snickers. These products can either enhance a meal to a healthier high or can help replace unhealthy snacks that you might usually go for throughout the day. Adding these seven products might end up actually changing your life, and inspire healthier changes along the way.

1. Preserved Tunisian Lemon Slices
Lemons are one of the best foods for the body. It cleanses your system in almost every way, and the health benefits are endless (hello, lots of Vitamin C!). These preserved slices are perfect for any dish. They come pre-sliced, so half of your work is already done. Put them on fresh salmon or slice ginger and put slices over chicken to make a healthy dish that’s ready in less than twenty minutes.

2. To the Power of Seven Organic Juice Blend
My favorite part about this juice is that it’s all-organic – not from concentrate, with no added sugars and sweeteners. This juice packs a punch with seven different fruits and vegetables blended together for a not too sweet juice packed with antioxidants– pomegranate, blueberry, red grape, tart cherry, purple carrot, cranberry, and black mulberry. This is my favorite juice to add to my smoothies because of its tart flavor that goes with virtually any fruit (fresh produce is usually more expensive, so check out Trader Joe’s frozen fruit section for fruits that are both in and out of season).

3. Chia Seeds
If you haven’t heard the endless benefits of adding chia seeds to your diet, then check out this HuffPost article to read more about its massive benefits. Chia seeds are full of fiber, Omega-3s, and protein. The best part about chia seeds is that you can add them to virtually anything to add a serious health boost. Add them to yogurt, smoothies, or baked goods to add a serious powerhouse to your regular diet.

4. Dried fruits and nuts
Other than vitamins and supplements, dried fruits and nuts are the most expensive thing in the store. Don’t sweat, because they’re still a fraction of Whole Foods price. Trader Joe’s dried fruit is a great option for those who want to bring fruit on the go. All of the dried fruits come in resalable packets, so there’s no need to worry about Soft and Juicy Mango pieces flying all over the inside of your bag. They also have a limitless amount of nut mixes for any palate, my favorite being the Sweet, Savoy & Tart Trek Mix that I can’t stop eating at my desk.

5. Reduced Guilt Spinach and Kale Greek Yogurt Dip
If the words ‘spinach,’ ‘kale,’ and ‘Greek yogurt’ aren’t enough of an inclination that this is a healthy snack, than read on: this dip has 50% less fat and calories than typical spinach dip made with sour cream. It’s a zesty dip that can be used on sandwiches, or can be enjoyed as is. It’s also packed with red peppers, carrots, and garlic, giving it an extra kick of flavor.

6. Embrace Your Inner Bean
You might be asking, what’s your inner bean? Or, what’s a inner bean? Well, at Trader Joe’s, Inner Bean is a healthy, crunchy snack that is exclusively sold at their stores. Black beans are milled, blended, and baked to make a snack that is only 130 calories per serving (and a serving is about 22 of them). Eat them alone or enjoy them with some dip, this salty, guilt-free snack will definitely make you embrace your (and their) inner bean.

7. Organic Low Sodium Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper Soup
A concern with canned and boxed soups is the high amount of sodium. This soup only has a low 140mg per serving, and its subtle tomato base makes this one of the most flexible staples in my pantry. Whether you eat it as is or add some vegetables to the mix, it’s filling soup that tastes homemade. Take Trader Joe’s Everything Bagel Slims, throw them in the oven or toaster, and enjoy this soup with some fresh bagel crisps.

8. Organic Popcorn with Olive Oil
This popcorn is only 130 calories per serving, and has no trans fats or cholesterol. This popcorn is air popped with sea salt and organic extra virgin olive oil to give a subtly salty flavor. A whole bag is only a $1.99 for five ounces, so there’s no excuse not to grab this snack on your next shopping trip.

Rebecca is a recent grad from Iona College in New York who decided to become a writer when her hopes of being a Spice Girl were dashed at a young age. Her love for music thrives, as well as her love for travel, fantasy fiction, and art. Brutal honesty, dark humor, and black coffee are the ways to her heart. Follow her on Twitter/Instagram @RebeccaEstherrr